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I feel so honored I was able to help save his life’: Daughter who saved dying father’s life by donating her kidney shares emotional reunion in hospital

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A woman who has saved her dying father’s life by donating her kidney to him shares an emotional hospitalised reunion with him after the successful organ transplant.

Hailee Stender, 30, donated her kidney to her dying father John, who diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure and given only two-years left to live.

PICS BY ANAROSA HOPKINS / CATERS NEWS

The two have been captured sharing a teary embrace when they are reunited after both surgeries were completed on March 12 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital, Ohio, USA.

Hailee, who is the only biological daughter out her and her two siblings, did not think twice when she attended a hospital appointment and heard how her dad’s health was deteriorating and it was crucial that he received a kidney transplant immediately.

Recalling her first thoughts when she was reunited with him post-op Hailee said: “No matter how much pain I was in, I would have done it every single time.

“I saw how much better he looked because of it.

“I’m connected to my dad with more than just by blood now.

“A part of me will always be with him.

PICS BY ANAROSA HOPKINS / CATERS NEWS

“The fact that I had a chance to better his life.

“I feel so honored I was able to help save his life.”

Her sister AnaRosa – who was adopted in Ecuador when she was a newborn – documented the entire experience, crediting her sister for the ‘life saving and selfless act’.

AnaRosa said: “Hailee knew at some point in her life she was going to get married and she wanted her father to walk her down the aisle.

“She is the most selfless and admirable person I’ve ever known.

“She loves deeply and her willingness to donate a kidney speaks volumes to that.

“Hailie is officially a life saver.

“She saved our father’s life.

“For our family – this it’s truly life changing.”

John, who is said to be recovering well after receiving his daughter’s healthy kidney, is being closely watched by medical professionals and has to attend appointments with his surgeon twice a week.

Kidney rejection can happen at anytime, however it most commonly occurs within the first 72 hours of surgery or between three to six months after surgery.

Hailee, who named her donated kidney ‘Kevin’, wanted to view the experience as a lighthearted adventure but has had to alter her entire life after the operation – from reassessing her diet to her daily workouts.

Both surgeries lasted a collective eight and a half hours and have a predicted recovery time of up to six months.